Fenix Flexins Hot-100 Hit Rubberz Sparks AI-Generation Debate

A single that reached number 58 on the Billboard Hot 100 has become the focal point of a heated debate between a cutting‑edge AI music tool and a Los Angeles rapper’s assertion of hands‑on craftsmanship. The track, “Rubberz,” dropped in June under San Francisco‑based indie label Empire and has since drawn accusations that it was created entirely by the free AI service Treblo.

The song’s release was an unexpected surge. “Rubberz” entered the Hot 100 in early June, peaking at 58, and quickly amassed streams and radio spins. Empire, a label founded in 2010 by Ghazi Shami, has grown into a significant independent force with offices in New York, London, Lagos, and Johannesburg, and its San Francisco headquarters sits at 1 Montgomery St.

The controversy erupted when producer Medasin posted a short Instagram Reel on 1 August, breaking down the track’s production. Medasin, who boasts a following on TikTok and YouTube, noted that the synth‑heavy, ’80s‑inspired sound could be replicated in minutes using Treblo’s “turn any idea into a full song” interface. He implied that the track was likely the product of the AI model behind Treblo.

Treblo, formerly Sonauto, is a free AI music generator that accepts text prompts and produces complete songs with vocals or instrumentals. Its website claims the tool can create thousands of styles, from hyper‑pop to sea shanties. In a statement sent to Gazetteer on Wednesday, Treblo co‑founder Ryan Tremblay said, “Someone appears to have used our model to find a sound that millions of people connected with and that’s exciting.” Tremblay added that the track was “likely entirely generated using this service.”

Los Angeles rapper Fenix Flexin, a founding member of Shoreline Mafia, has denied the allegations. In an Instagram post, he shared the stems for “Rubberz” and insisted the song was produced manually. Flexin has previously recorded in his living room and posted production videos that show him working on beats in real time. While no direct quote from Flexin is publicly available, his social‑media activity suggests he maintains the track was not AI‑generated.

Empire has not issued a statement about the dispute. A label representative has yet to respond to inquiries. However, the label’s CEO, Ghazi Shami, has voiced a broader perspective on AI in music. In a January interview with private‑equity firm Sixth Street, Shami said, “I’m trying to say this in the most constructive way possible, if you’re not using AI in some way, shape, or form in the music business, you’re going to be at a severe competitive disadvantage.” Shami’s comments indicate that Empire may be open to AI tools, even if it has not publicly addressed the “Rubberz” case.

The debate underscores a growing tension in the music industry. AI‑generated music is becoming more sophisticated, and tools like Treblo lower the barrier for producers and artists. At the same time, creators and labels wrestle with questions of authorship, royalties, and authenticity. The “Rubberz” controversy has already sparked discussions on TikTok, YouTube, and music‑tech forums about how to verify a track’s origin.

At present, the only confirmed facts are that “Rubberz” charted on the Hot 100, was released through Empire, and has been the subject of an Instagram breakdown by Medasin. Treblo has publicly stated that the track was likely generated by its AI model, while Fenix Flexin has denied using AI and has provided stems that he claims prove manual production. Empire remains silent, and no legal action has been reported. The situation remains unresolved, with the next step likely to involve further analysis by music‑tech companies and possible statements from the parties involved.

The controversy highlights the need for clearer industry standards around AI‑generated content and the importance of transparency for artists, labels, and consumers alike.